Costa Rica Tours & Small Group Trips in 2026

Passport \-carrying travellers from many countries — including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, and most of the EU — are allowed up to 180 days, as long as they have six months left before their passport expires. Travellers from a range of different African and Middle Eastern Countries — as well as some South American countries too — will need to apply for a visa beforehand. Check the Costa Rican embassy website in your country of departure for the most up-to-date details.

Please note that a yellow fever vaccination will be required upon entry if you’re travelling from the following countries in [Africa](https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/yellow-fever/yellow-fever-risk-areas), as well as Tanzania and Zambia. It will also be required if you’re coming from the following regions in Latin America: Colombia (the entire country except Bogotá); Ecuador (applies only to Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe); Paraguay (the entire country except Asunción); Peru (the entire country except Lima, Cajamarca, Cuzco, Lambayeque, Machu Picchu, Ruta de los Incas, Piura, Tumbes); Trinidad and Tobago (the entire country except the urban areas of Port of Spain and for travellers in transit or whose itineraries are limited to the island of Tobago). Other recommended vaccinations include diphtheria, hepatitis a, hepatitis b, diphtheria, rabies and tetanus.

Costa Rica's weather is defined by the rainy and dry seasons, which run from May to November and December to April respectively. You can expect highs of 36°C in April and lows of around 23°C in October. In terms of rainfall, the wettest month of the year tends to be in October with an average of 125 mm per month. The driest months are January and February, when you can expect almost no rain at all.

Costa Rica generally has pretty good internet access in towns and cities, though if you’re in more rural areas, then expect it to be fairly spotty.

If you’re looking for the best weather, then your best bet is to visit during the dry season, which runs from mid-November to April. Temperatures hover around 28°C (82.4°F), and you can expect eight hours of sunshine. May to mid-November is known as Costa Rica’s ‘green’ (or rainy) season, when you’re more likely to avoid the crowds and enjoy cheaper prices. This is also the best time to visit the country’s rainforests, and if you’re an expert surfer, then this is when you’ll be able to experience the best waves.

While tipping isn’t necessarily required in Costa Rica, rounding up the bill and leaving some spare cash is pretty standard practice. If you’re eating out, then restaurants will often add a 10% gratuity tip to your bill.

There are ATMs widely available within towns and cities, which tend to accept VISA and Mastercard. Expect a transaction fee. In more rural areas, take cash with you as ATMs aren’t widely available. Major hotels, shops and restaurants tend to accept credit or debit cards — smaller establishments don’t, so take a mixture of plastic and cash.

Costa Rica is one of the more liberal countries in Central America, and same-sex relationships are legal and recognised as of 2015\. While San José and Quepos have several LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs, you should be aware that rural areas might be more conservative, so public displays of affection might attract unwanted attention and should be avoided.

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, and it has been since it was introduced in the 16th century by Spanish colonists. However, five indigenous languages — Cabécar, Maleku, Bribri, Guaymí and Buglere — are also spoken in various parts of the country.

Costa Rica is perhaps the most wheelchair accessible destination within Central America, though there are still certain areas like national parks or along the coast where accessibility may be relatively difficult. Manuel Antonio National Park has wider trails and more accessible routes into the rainforest, and the capital San José has wheelchair-friendly city buses. Take a look at our [accessibility policy](https://www.gadventures.com/terms-conditions/accessibility-policy/) to find out more information.